Venezuelans went to the polls yesterday in critical parliamentary elections
that are likely to see socialist President Hugo Chavez punished for
worsening economic problems and a crime explosion that has turned the Latin
American oil producer into one of the world’s most violent countries.

More than six hours after the polls closed, electoral officials were meeting
in private overnight as Venezuelans anxiously waited for results to be
announced.

“We demand (the electoral council) give the country the results it already
knows,” said Ramon Guillermo Aveledo, leader of a coalition of opposition
parties.